The Benefits of Pet Insurance for Kittens

Getting a kitten is a super exciting time and we’re sure you wouldn’t want anything to dampen that, right? By insuring your kitten, you can provide them, and your finances, with the ultimate protection. Pet insurance helps owners, like you, cover the cost of veterinary bills and ensures that you can give the best care to your new kitten without worrying about additional fees.

Purchasing an insurance policy is essential and can help make sure your kitten continues to access necessary medical care without the added worry of unknown expenses. This means that your kitten can stay healthy throughout their lifetime.

Though they look tiny and happy, kittens are still susceptible to accidents and illness. Common health issues in kittens include upper respiratory infections, which can cause sneezing, coughing, and eye discharge, as well as gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

It is important to monitor kittens closely for signs of illness and seek veterinary care promptly if any health concerns arise. With a kitten insurance policy in place, you can rest assured your kitten is protected at all times. 

Pet insurance is a type of policy that helps to cover the cost of veterinary care for pets.

Kitten insurance is a pet insurance cover that allows owners to manage the cost of unexpected accidents or illnesses, as well as routine and medical treatments, for their furry friends. Pet owners pay a monthly or annual premium to the chosen insurance provider, and in return, the provider helps cover the cost of unexpected accidents, illnesses, and other medical needs. Here are some of the things you need to know about kitten insurance.
 

In the UK, there are different types of kitten insurance available, including:

• Accident-only coverage: provides protection against injuries resulting from accidents.

• Time-Limited coverage: covers treatment for a specific period of time, typically 12 months.

• Maximum Benefit coverage: provides a set amount of coverage per condition.

• Lifetime coverage: offers ongoing protection for chronic and recurring conditions throughout the pet's life. Lifetime coverage is the only type of insurance that some providers like us offer. The costs for different types of kitten insurance policies will vary depending on several factors such as your cat's breed, age, health, where you live, coverage, and policy limits.

Pet insurance provides several benefits for your new kitten, including:

• Financial protection: Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected accidents, illnesses, and other medical needs, which can be particularly important for kittens that may be more prone to accidents and illnesses as they explore their new environment. This cover can also help cover routine treatments and veterinary treatments such as medical treatment, vet treatment, and cover for accidents.

• Peace of mind: Knowing that pet insurance is in place can provide peace of mind for pet owners, who can rest assured that they can provide their kitten with necessary medical care without worrying about the cost.

• Access to quality care: Often, pet insurance grants owners access to a wider range of veterinary care options, as you are not limited by the cost of treatment. Some insurance providers also offer a vet fee limit, cover level, or cover for illness to ensure that you get the best treatment for your furry friend.

• Customisable coverage: Pet insurance policies can be customised to meet the specific needs of both yourself and your kitten with different levels of cover, deductibles, and annual limits available to fit a range of budgets and preferences. Some providers also offer policy documents that are easy to understand to ensure you are well informed about your pet insurance cover.

When purchasing pet insurance, you should consider several factors to ensure you find the perfect policy to suit your needs. This includes researching the coverage options available, including the type of coverage, the amount of coverage, and any exclusions or restrictions. You should also consider your budget and choose a policy with affordable premiums.
 

It is, of course, incredibly important to choose a reputable insurance provider with a track record of reliable service and prompt claim payments. When choosing the right kitten insurance, make sure to consider any additional benefits or perks that may be included in the policy, such as free online vet care and rewards.
 

Using aggregator sites such as Compare the Market can help you to compare pet insurance plans and ensure you’re getting the best policy possible for your budget. With kitten insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your furry friend's medical needs are taken care of without breaking the bank.

Exclusions and limitations in pet insurance policies refer to specific conditions or situations for which the insurance provider will not provide coverage. These can include pre-existing conditions, hereditary conditions, behavioural issues, elective procedures, vaccinations, worming, and certain breeds of cat.

 
Some policies may also have limitations on coverage amounts or the number of claims that can be made within a certain period. It is important for you to carefully review the policy's exclusions and limitations before purchasing to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is covered and what is not. If there are certain exclusions or limitations that are concerning, you may want to consider alternative policies or insurance providers that better suit your pet’s needs.

 
At Waggel, we offer a comprehensive type of cat insurance policy that provides specialist cover for your kitten's needs, including preventative treatments and a high level of pet health cover. Our Lifetime cover policy type is designed to offer you peace of mind should your kitten require any medical attention throughout their life.

 
Within our comprehensive cover, we do limit the maximum annual claim amount on specific treatments so that we can keep your policy affordable. These limits are as follows:

• Complementary Treatment: £1,000 Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic, homoeopathic, herbal medicines, or laser treatment administered by a suitably qualified practitioner following a recommendation by a vet.

• Behavioural Treatments: £1,000 The treatment of behavioural illness, caused by a mental or emotional disorder as diagnosed by a vet.

• Dental Treatment: £1,000 Dental treatments caused by an accident or illness. This is subject to your cat having their teeth checked and noted on their medical records every 12 months.

 
In addition to the traditional cat insurance policy, we also offer payment to the vet for accidental injury cover and cover for ongoing illnesses. Our policy also covers the following:

• Theft or stray: up to £1,000

• Lost Pet: Payment if your pet is not found within 45 days of being lost or stolen.

• Death from accident or illness: up to £1,000

• Payment if your pet dies during the policy year or is put down for humane reasons because of injury or illness that happened or started during the policy period.  

Unfortunately, there are specific cat breeds that we are currently unable to provide policies for. This includes Asian Leopard Cats, Chausies, and Keetsos.

As a cat insurance provider, we are committed to offering an efficient and brilliant service to all our customers. However, we are unable to cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is considered an ongoing medical issue that existed prior to the start date of your policy or during a period when the policy was not active or renewed.

We understand the importance of a pet policy and the financial pain of treatment costs, which is why our policy provides comprehensive coverage to give you the protection you need at an affordable price.

With Waggel, you can have peace of mind knowing that your kitten's medical needs are covered, including cancer treatment and dental illness, and that we are here to support you every step of the way.

With Waggel, you can insure your kitten anytime after the age of 8 weeks old. We recommend insuring them as soon as possible to protect them before any pre-existing conditions develop. 

Age is one of the biggest contributors to increased premiums each year. This is because as your cat ages, they are more likely to experience health conditions. 

By getting coverage when your cat is young, you can ensure that any future medical issues that arise will be covered by your chosen policy. Your kitten will also avoid any exclusions or limitations that may be applied to pre-existing conditions. Early coverage can also be more cost-effective, as premiums are often lower for younger pets that are less likely to develop health issues. 

Though policies for kittens are generally less than policies for puppies, it is something to take into consideration if you are thinking of adopting an older kitten or cat. If you’re in a position to do so, it is a great opportunity, however, don’t forget that your monthly premiums may be higher than average if your cat has suffered from specific illnesses or health conditions in the past before they were covered by your current policy.

Most insurers have a claims section on their website that makes it easy for customers to submit claims along with attached images and vet fee forms. At Waggel the process couldn’t be easier. When you submit a claim, you will be assigned a Claims Handler to help support you during every step of the claim journey. You can submit a claim by visiting the claims section of our website and filling out the form.

All of our customer service team are based fully in the UK giving you immediate assistance whenever you need it, including weekends. 

Though the claims process can be stressful for any worried pet owner, our team understands this and works hard to process your claim in less than 14 days. 

Having the relevant documentation such as any vet forms, bills, and medical history before submitting your claim can help to speed things up and avoid any delays. You will also likely be asked to provide proof of a diagnosis (if this applies) and, of course, your policy information. All of the above will help to make your claim as successful as possible.

Though indoor cats don’t face the same level of risk as outdoor cats, this doesn’t mean they’re entirely out of the woods! Wherever your cat likes to travel, pet insurance provides the ultimate form of peace of mind and means that you’ll be able to cover veterinary costs should your kitten develop a health condition or have an accident.

Indoor cats can develop health issues at any time, just like outdoor cats. With a pet insurance policy in place, you can help treat your cat without having to worry about the cost.

Indoor kittens are still at risk of accidents such as falling off a high surface, getting burned from a hot hob, or being injured by household items! Pet insurance can also help to cover the cost of emergency veterinary care in the case of such accidents.

Pet insurance coverage options for indoor kittens in the UK can vary depending on the pet insurance provider and the specific policy. However, here are some common coverage options that you may want to consider:

• Accident-Only coverage: This type of coverage only covers accidents, such as broken bones, cuts, and injuries resulting from a fall or other accidents. This is typically the most affordable coverage option.

• Time-Limited coverage: This type of coverage covers illnesses and injuries for a specific period of time, typically 12 months. Once the coverage period is up, any conditions that your kitten developed during that time will no longer be covered.

• Maximum Benefit coverage: This type of coverage has a maximum limit on the amount you can claim for each condition. Once you reach that limit, the coverage for that condition will end.

• Lifetime coverage: This type of coverage provides ongoing coverage for illnesses and injuries throughout your kitten's life, as long as you continue to renew the policy.

Keeping your kitten healthy and happy is your top responsibility as a pet owner. This means ensuring they eat a balanced and nutritious diet and have access to water at all times. Indoor kittens may not have as much opportunity to exercise as much as outdoor cats so it’s important to keep them physically and mentally stimulated through toys and puzzles.

Keeping up to date with veterinary care is also of key importance - this includes regular checkups and vaccinations. Keeping their environment and litter box clean will also help your kitten to feel content and avoid the spread of disease and parasites.

Pet insurance can be especially beneficial for outdoor cats, as they may be at a higher risk of accidents and injuries than indoor cats. For example, outdoor cats are more likely to be involved in car accidents, falls from trees, and fights with other animals. 

Outdoor kittens may be exposed to more pathogens and parasites compared to indoor kittens, which can increase the risk of illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, feline leukaemia, and feline immunodeficiency virus. Having a pet insurance policy in place can help to protect your cat in the event of an accident or illness.

On their travels, outdoor cats may encounter other animals, such as dogs or wildlife, which can cause injuries. Your pet insurance policy will help to cover treatment for such things without the worry of unknown vet bills.

Coverage options for outdoor kittens are similar to indoor kittens with Lifetime policies being the most comprehensive. They provide ongoing coverage for the rest of your kitten’s life as long as you renew your policy every year.

While pet insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind, some owners opt for alternative options. However, it's important to keep in mind that unexpected healthcare expenses can add up quickly, so it's important to have a plan in place to ensure your kitten receives the care they need.

These alternative options include paying for a wellness plan only as opposed to insurance. A wellness plan is a care package offered by some veterinary practices and includes a series of vaccinations that protect your kitten against common diseases. They often include parasite prevention such as flea and worm treatment as well as wellness exams.

Whilst wellness packages are a great way of keeping on top of your kitten’s health and ensuring they’re getting everything they need, they don’t protect against accident and illness in the same way kitten insurance does.

Another way some owners prepare for cat ownership is to put money away each month and create a savings pot for their kitten to use in the event of an accident or illness. Whilst this sounds good in theory, vet costs can be very unpredictable and both accidents and illnesses aren’t always a simple fix. It can also result in owners having to dip into emergency funds which can result in a financial nightmare.

It is for these reasons and more that we advocate for pet owners to purchase a Lifetime pet insurance policy. Doing so can ensure your kitten can be treated whenever they need it without you having to worry about scary vet bills. At Waggel, we like to provide customers with added perks such as specialised rewards and access to 24/7 online vet care with Joii. 

One of the most common mistakes to avoid when taking out a pet insurance policy for your kitten is to opt for the cheapest option and overlook coverage options. Though it seems you’ll be saving money each month, you’re likely to only be covered for accidents which isn’t the most helpful option if your cat were to become ill and develop a health condition, for example.

Another mistake is to not compare rates and providers. This can lead you to pay more than you need to every month. We recommend looking at aggregator sites that easily display different providers and the comparisons between them such as warm-up periods and excluded breeds.

So there we have it. We hope that from our guide and expert advice, you can begin to understand the importance of pet insurance for kittens. Though you may be under the impression insurance is costly, this doesn’t have to be the case. 

Unfortunately, cats experience accidents and illnesses no matter their age but with an insurance policy in place you can rest assured your kitten is in safe hands. After all, no one wants to face a hefty vet bill. 

Getting insurance for your kitten can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you can give the necessary medical care for your furry friend without worrying about the cost. Kittens are susceptible to various health conditions, accidents, and injuries, which can be costly to treat. 

Insurance can cover these costs, including emergency care, surgeries, and medication, so you don't have to choose between your pet's health and your finances. 

By getting a Lifetime insurance policy for your kitten, you can ensure that you're prepared for the unexpected and can provide the best possible care for your furry friend. Interested in getting a quote? It couldn’t be easier, just click here.

We also provide additional information and support for cat owners on our blog. New to the feline community? Have no fear, we cover everything from how to pick up your cat safely and what to do if they’re acting normal but not eating. If you’ve still got burning questions about pet insurance, we’ve got an FAQ to help you out.
 

What is the cost of pet insurance for kittens?

The cost of pet insurance for kittens varies depending on various factors such as the age, breed, health condition, and location of your kitten. The cost also depends on the level of coverage and provider you choose. As an estimate, kitten insurance with Waggel can begin from as little as £5 per month.

Can I get pet insurance for my kitten with pre-existing conditions?

At Waggel, you can still take out an insurance policy for a pet with pre-existing conditions, however, these pre-existing conditions will be excluded from your coverage. This does, however, mean that you can still claim for new and ongoing conditions in the future.

What is the waiting period for pet insurance?

Different providers provide varying wait times (warm-up periods) before your pet insurance policy comes into effect. This is to avoid fraudulent claims and provide an easy transition, especially if you are moving over from a different insurer. 

At Waggel, we currently have a 14-day warm-up period in which customers have to wait before making a claim, though fear not as you can still access all the benefits and rewards. It also gives you a chance to decide if we’re the right provider for you and your pet.

Can I use any veterinarian with pet insurance?

You can submit a claim with any vet as long as your vet is registered with the British Veterinary Association. As a Waggel member, you can also claim for emergency treatment abroad (for up to 90 days) as long as the country in which you are claiming belongs to the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). 

What happens if I cancel my pet insurance policy?

Though we’d hate to see you go, we always want what’s best for you and your pet. However, once your policy is cancelled there is a risk that all of the conditions you’ve claimed for will be categorised as pre-existing, making it harder to take out another policy in the future - whether you were to choose us again or not.